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20 Apr 2013

Phyllis Newman

Photo by Joseph Marzullo/WENN

Phyllis Newman: "Elaine Stritch is dangerous. On and off stage. She is filled with talent, that's clear. But you're never sure what she's going to do with a song, a scene, or even a line. So you best keep your eyes on her, lest you miss something. Marlon Brando was like that – the really greats are like that. I know, you know what I mean.

We worked together on the spectacular Follies in Concert at Avery Fisher Hall. After one of the rehearsals, she came up to me and said, 'You know kid, you gotta learn to take stage.' I was stunned. When I rehearse I'm working, not performing. Cut to the show – a smash. Everyone killed (as they say), I too, killed BIG. After the show she said to me, 'I guess you learned.' She and I really do laugh together. They filmed a little of one of our exchanges on the DVD of Follies in Concert. [She's] dangerous, completely original [and] achingly funny. I think the kid has a big future."